Hiring a general contractor or planning an addition can feel overwhelming when you don't know what to expect. We've compiled honest answers to the questions homeowners ask most often—so you can move forward with confidence and realistic expectations.
What's the Real Difference Between a General Contractor and Other Tradespeople?
A general contractor manages your entire project from start to finish, coordinating subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, framers), securing permits, and ensuring work meets code. A handyman handles smaller repairs and single-trade jobs; a remodeling specialist focuses specifically on kitchens, baths, or interior updates. If you're adding a room, finishing a basement, or doing major renovation work, you need a general contractor.
How Much Does a Home Addition Actually Cost?
Room additions typically run $100–$200 per square foot for basic construction, climbing to $150–$300+ per square foot if you include high-end finishes, complex electrical, or structural modifications. A modest 200-square-foot bedroom addition could land between $20,000–$60,000; a full kitchen addition with custom cabinetry could exceed $100,000. Your local market, foundation type (slab vs. crawlspace), and whether you need to reinforce existing framing all affect the final number.
Get three detailed estimates—not just one. Real quotes should itemize labor, materials, and contingencies (typically 10–15% for unexpected issues).
What Timeline Should I Expect?
A small addition or remodeling project usually takes 8–16 weeks. Larger additions may stretch 4–8 months. This includes permit approval (2–6 weeks in many areas), material lead times, and seasonal weather delays. Your contractor should provide a written schedule with key milestones: framing, rough-in inspections, drywall, finishes, and final walkthrough.
Don't judge a contractor solely on speed—quality and code compliance matter more than rushing through work.
Do I Really Need Permits?
Yes. Any structural change, electrical upgrade, plumbing addition, or foundation work requires permits in virtually every jurisdiction. Skipping permits saves a few hundred dollars upfront but can cost thousands if you sell your home (title issues, failed inspection), file an insurance claim (denied coverage), or face fines. A licensed general contractor will pull permits as part of their fee.
How Do I Know If a Contractor Is Legitimate?
Look for these verifiable credentials:
- Current state license (check your state's contractor licensing board website)
- General liability and workers' compensation insurance (ask for certificates; verify they're active)
- Bonding (protects you if the contractor disappears mid-project)
- References with verifiable phone numbers and ideally photos of completed work
- Written contract specifying scope, timeline, payment schedule, and dispute resolution
Red flags: cash-only payments, reluctance to provide insurance, no written agreement, or promises that sound too good to be true.
What Should Be in the Contract?
Your contract must spell out:
- Detailed scope of work (what's included and excluded)
- Materials and product specifications
- Start and completion dates
- Full project cost and payment schedule (typically 10% down, periodic draws during construction, 10% retained until final approval)
- Cleanup and waste removal responsibilities
- How change orders are handled and priced
- Insurance, bonding, and permit responsibility
- Lien waiver requirements before final payment
Never pay in full upfront. Progress payments tied to completed milestones protect both parties.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Define "wrong" in your contract—whether it's delays, quality issues, or disputes. Most states require contractors to carry insurance covering liability and injuries. If work is faulty, request written notice and a timeline for correction. Many disputes can be resolved through mediation before litigation.
Document everything: photos, emails, and notes on conversations. If you're comparing contractors and reviewing proposals, platforms like Mercoly let you gather trusted local providers, read reviews, and compare estimates side-by-side—making it easier to find a contractor you can actually trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a general contractor handle both the addition and interior design choices? A: Contractors specialize in construction; they'll build what you specify, but you or a designer should make final decisions on finishes, layouts, and materials to avoid costly changes mid-project.
Q: What happens if my contractor gets injured on the job? A: Their workers' compensation insurance should cover it—which is why verifying they carry active coverage is crucial before hiring.
Q: Are verbal agreements legally binding? A: Not reliably; always get a signed contract so you and your contractor agree on scope, cost, and timeline in writing.
Start your contractor search today by gathering estimates from licensed, insured professionals in your area.